Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part IV, Appendix to Diplomatic Correspondence of 1865, The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln, Late President of the United States of America and the Attempted Assassination of William H. Seward, Secretary of State, and Frederick W. Seward, Assistant Secretary, On the evening of the 14th of April, 1865: Expressions of Condolence and Sympathy Inspired by These Events

Inhabitants of Oyster Bay, New York

Oyster Bay, April 19, 1865

To the Honorable William H. Seward, Secretary of State:

Respectfully showeth that on the 19th of April, in the year of grace 1865, at the hour appointed for the funeral rites of Abraham Lincoln, deceased, at the city of Washington, the inhabitants of the village of Oyster Bay, in Queen’s county, State of New York, assembled at their respective places of worship, and after due observance of religious services adapted to the occasion, they again assembled in the evening of the same day in general meeting of all denominations, when a deeply impressive and interesting discourse was delivered by our fellow-townsman, Mr. Charles King, at the close of which the following resolutions were offered and unanimously adopted by the meeting:

1. That we deplore in common with our fellow-citizens everywhere the great loss sustained by our beloved country in the death of Abraham Lincoln, twice elected by the people to the highest office within their gift, and we cannot but regard with horror and detestation “the deep damnation of his taking off.”

2. That we look upon the manner of his death as calculated, in the way of God’s moral government of the world, to arouse the nation’s consciousness to a proper sense of the enormous iniquity of this wicked rebellion, culminating in the assassin’s blow aimed at the nation’s heart.

3. Impressed with the foregoing consideration, we believe that the Almighty Disposer of Events, in the mysterious workings of his providence, will turn the awful calamity we now deplore into a blessing, by strengthening the power of the nation to meet its foes, both at home and abroad, and “lead to a just and lasting peace among ourselves, and with all nations.

4. That we have the fullest confidence in Andrew Johnson, who was the second choice of the people, and on whom has now devolved all the power and duties of the Chief Magistrate. Guided by his own practical good sense and the wisdom of the constitutional advisers with which he is surrounded, we doubt not but the same wise policy of his predecessor will be carried out to a glorious and happy termination.

5. And while we mourn our great bereavement, we return thanks for the hope permitted us that the life of our fellow-citizen, Secretary William H. Seward, may still be preserved for the benefit of our common country.

6. And while we would not intrude upon the sacred griefs of the widow and family of the deceased President, we must, nevertheless, express our sincere condolence and sympathy for their irreparable loss. May the Father of All be with them.

Lastly. That a copy of these resolutions, signed by the officers of the meeting, be transmitted to President Johnson and to the Secretary of State, and likewise to Mrs. Lincoln, as some humble expression of their regard and esteem.

• W. T. McCOREN, Chairman.
• CHARLES KING.
• R. G. HUTTON,
  Rector of Christ Church.
• S. Y. LUDLAM,
• SOLOMON TOWNSEND,
  Officers of the Meeting.
• THOS. H. BRIGGS, Secretary.

Oyster Bay, April 21, 1865.